Travelers to Ecuador would be well advised to take out a travel insurance policy. There is a wide range of policies that cover a variety of potential problems, including transportation delays, cancelation, loss of luggage, theft, hijacking and legal expenses.
A lot of different insurers are out there and they offer a variety of products, so it is best to research each policy to decide which one fits your trip. Before you start, check to see if you already have coverage through your bank or credit card company. These companies sometimes provide basic travel insurance. If you already have renter's or homeowner's insurance, your policy most likely covers travel. This is also true for health insurance or life insurance policies.
Medical Insurance in Ecuador
Medical coverage is the most important part of any travel insurance policy. Medical treatment costs for serious injuries can pile up fast. Find out how much your insurance will pay for emergency expenses and what treatments or procedures are included (e.g., helicopter rescue and emergency evacuation). If you need to return home for medical attention you'll want to know if that is covered. Most hospitals in Ecuador require that you pay for medical treatment upon entrance. Ecuadorian hospitals often only accept cash. If you pay cash at a hospital, be sure to ask for receipts for any medical care you receive, this way you can provide copies when you make your insurance claim. Before you travel, make sure your travel insurance policy covers all the things you are interested in doing. Some activities may be considered “adventurous activities” and therefore are not covered under a basic travel policy (e.g., mountain biking, climbing and zip-lining).
Lost or Stolen Items in Ecuador
Most of the insurance claims made by travelers relate to stolen or lost items. If you plan on taking valuable belongings such as laptops, cameras or mp3 players to Ecuador, there is a possibility that these items will be stolen or damaged. When buying a travel insurance policy, make sure that it offers a level of protection that will to cover the combined value of all the items you intend to bring to Ecuador. If this is not possible, consider leaving any extremely valuable items at home.
If you are robbed while traveling through Ecuador, make a police report within 24 hours. Make sure to obtain a copy of the report, as your insurance company may require this type of documentation (they may also need a receipt for the stolen item) in order to process your claim.
The general rule is that the more money you spend on travel insurance, the more protection you will have. Basic travel insurance policies often don't cover lost or stolen valuables so you'll need to do your homework and you may have to be willing to spend a decent amount of money. If you buy a comprehensive policy, as opposed to a basic policy, your deductible will be lower, limits on single items will be higher, and you may even receive coverage for cash and passports fees. Look over the details of your policy very closely to make sure the level of coverage works for you.
Student Travel Insurance in Ecuador
If you are studying in Ecuador, it is important to be covered by the appropriate travel insurance policy. Several study abroad programs require their students to have medical insurance or special policies before departure. If you need to buy insurance coverage yourself, look around for the policy that fits your needs.
Students living abroad may be able to collect additional benefits that are not included in normal travel insurance policies. These may include benefits that go towards refunds for tuition in the event that you need cancel your courses for medical reasons. It can be easier to insure valuables under study abroad insurance policies, and you may also be able to get coverage for jobs, sports or other activities while you are in Ecuador.
Ecuador Travel Tips on Insurance
Make sure you have your insurer's 24-hour emergency contact number on hand along with a copy of your policy number. If you keep your insurance details in an email account, you can access the information easily from anyplace you happen to be, even if someone steals your belongings. Insurance companies recommend having written records of medical conditions and the names of any medications you take, plus copies of prescriptions, just in case.
Here are some related tips to help plan your trip to Ecuador: Ley Seca, When To Go To Guaranda, Buying Beauty Products , Travel Tips for Specific Groups , When To Go To Quito, When To Go To Lago Agrio, Safety, Safety, South To Loja and When To Go To Macas.
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